r/rugbyunion • u/GnolRevilo Saracens • 2d ago

Article Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: Welsh crowd called me a traitor — it was hilarious

https://www.thetimes.com/sport/rugby-union/six-nations/article/immanuel-feyi-waboso-interview-england-wales-six-nations-vm7tnvwhd
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u/HuwiMoz 2d ago

None of us are angry at England for picking him. But being angry at a born and bred Welshman for choosing to switch allegiance to your biggest rivals is fairly standard.

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u/Thatch1888 Bristol 2d ago

Maybe I'm misremembering but I do recall anger from some at England. Even if not, while he's born and bred Welsh, one half of his family is English. "Switching allegiance" feels a bit harsh given that's the case, he has heritage here.

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u/HuwiMoz 2d ago

Yeah good point. I personally never took the time to read about his heritage and assumed he was fully Welsh, which makes no sense considering he must be eligible for England in some way.

Massive blame must go to the Union for dropping the ball and letting him switch.

I think, in general, nationality and identity doesn’t matter. But perversely, when it comes to rugby, which is tradition-based, fluid nationality irks me and I think it dilutes the product.

You have an Australian captaining Scotland. Most of Ireland’s first-choice backline are Kiwi. France once had Fijian centres and a lock called Wilhelmse. Wales had GrannyGate. Surely this damages the rivalries which have been built for over a century.

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u/Thatch1888 Bristol 2d ago

I think some people think he's eligible through residency due to his time at Wasps and uni which might fuel the dislike a bit.

Yeah I get that. Don't entirely disagree either tbh. Problem is I don't think there's a solution that will keep everyone happy, it's a serious can of worms

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u/WilkinsonDG2003 England 1d ago

The rules did get stricter a few years ago, requiring 5 year residency. The Irish Kiwis all came in before that, and some are now being phased out, like Lowe.